Followers hoping for the return of brand-exclusive premium dwell occasions may wish to put these desires on ice—as a result of WWE’s arms are tied by ESPN’s checkbook.
In the course of the newest Fightful Q&A, Sean Ross Sapp was requested if WWE would ever carry again brand-split PLEs to provide underused expertise extra publicity. However because it seems, the choice isn’t only a artistic one—it’s a enterprise name dictated by WWE’s media rights accomplice. Sapp dropped the reality bomb, revealing that ESPN’s present deal doesn’t permit for separate Uncooked and SmackDown exhibits until they pony up more money.
“They didn’t pay for half a roster on a PLE,” Sapp defined. “What they did pay for although are principally 5 to 6 match PLEs. That’s develop into the usual now.”
In accordance with Sapp, this format really helped WWE for some time by permitting extra marquee matches to air on weekly TV as a substitute. However the core problem is easy: until ESPN decides to alter the phrases of their deal, WWE has no incentive to return to brand-exclusive occasions.
“Until WWE is paid for these further occasions, it wouldn’t serve them effectively to do them,” he continued. “They’ve bought a set minimal variety of occasions they do with ESPN. And until ESPN comes alongside and says, ‘Properly, we’ll develop this deal and you are able to do this,’ there’s actually no person that advantages.”
Briefly, it’s not about expertise, TV time, or roster depth—it’s about contracts. And proper now, ESPN owns the format. For those who’ve been questioning why dual-brand PLEs have develop into the brand new regular, now you recognize. The old-school format isn’t coming again anytime quickly… until there’s an enormous change within the cash division.
What do you suppose? Would brand-exclusive PLEs assist showcase extra expertise, or is the present format higher for storytelling and star energy? Drop your ideas within the feedback—we wish to hear from you.
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What do you suppose? Would brand-exclusive PLEs assist showcase extra expertise? Please share your ideas and suggestions within the remark part under.
December 28, 2025 4:56 pm